Total Gridlock in Lagos as Two Killed, Properties Destroyed in Oil Tanker Explosion (Photos+Video)

 

Two people have been reported dead late on Monday as fire razed two oil tankers at the popular Cele bus/stop on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway of Lagos State.

 

According to reports, the fire which started around 4:00pm, was caused by one of the trucks – a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of petrol, which was discharging fuel by the expressway.

 

 

It was learnt that the driver of the tanker, as well as the motor boy, were killed in the inferno as the fire spread to the second truck, which was on the Cele-Ikotun Bridge, and the two tankers were razed down completely.

 

The gallant Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and the police were said to have responded to the emergency as the inferno reportedly caused gridlock for hours on the expressway.

 

 

Ibrahim Farinloye, who is the NEMA spokesperson for South-West Zone, disclosed that the fuel also spilled into some drainage channels.

 

“Rescue operation is still on (7pm). The fire started from the driver’s side of the tanker. Petrol also spilled into the drainage channels. One person died and he is suspected to be the driver of the tanker,” he said.

 

The LASEMA General Manager, Michael Akindele, said the accident involved a tanker and an articulated truck, adding that rescue agencies had restored normalcy to the area.

 

 

“Our men are still assisting with other agencies in the rescue operation. Two persons are confirmed dead in the incident. Two trucks were involved in the inferno. But normalcy has been restored,” he said.

 

SP Dolapo Badmos, who is the Police Public Relations Officer, said the value of property destroyed by the fire was unknown as of press time.

 

“Our policemen are on ground ensuring safety of lives and property on the scene. The firefighters are battling to put out the fire. The value of property destroyed is still unknown,” she said.